Our Daily Board

The gals on the Apologia Elementary Science loop inspired me to finally complete our school white board yesterday. I purchased a magnetic board (which happens to be silver, not white) from Staples a few months ago but could not decide what to write on it. We follow a routine rather than a strict schedule, and each day we cover different subjects. I finally decided on a white board system that will hopefully make our days flow more smoothly and allow the kids some independence.

I typed out different subjects and chores into a Word document: memory verse, math, reading practice, reading for fun, handwriting, science, history, grammar, arts & crafts, vacuuming, putting away dishes, feeding the dog, laundry, days of the week, field trip, etc. I tried to think of anything we might do in a typical week. Because we have three kids, I typed multiples of certain words. I also typed up individual subjects such as "coloring" for 4 year old Daniel so he can participate in school time and have something to check off. After printing the page onto Xerox magnetic inkjet paper, I cut the words into little blocks (see photo). I had some blank magnetic blocks left over, and will save them to use for future subjects.

On the board with a permanent pen, I drew three columns and wrote each child's name at the top. I left room at the top of the board for activities we'll do together as a family. The whole project took about an hour to complete.

I gathered the kids to explain that every morning we would go over the board and review the day's plan. As they completed each item, they would check it off with a dry erase pen. They were surprisingly enthusiastic, and Elizabeth even asked if I could add a few more chores on her list!

Later that evening, Jonathan came up to me and said, "Mom, we forgot to put the most important thing on the board--Bible time!" That blessed my heart as a mom because I want our kids to treasure our time in the Word as the most important time of the day. I explained that I didn't put it on the board because Bible time is more than something to check off, and that it should be a daily habit engrained in our lives. He was satisfied with my answer and walked away.

A few minutes later, Daniel came up to me and pointed to board, "Mom, we forgot Bible time!"

Another smile crept across my face.

"So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12